Puntland Political Parties Fail to Hold Conventions Due to Financial Crisis

Puntland’s political parties have failed to hold their Central Committee conventions after the Puntland administration suspended the financial support the parties used to receive from the government.

Last year, the Puntland administration cut off the parties’ monthly stipends of $10,000, which were earmarked for their operational costs, support that the government had previously provided to sustain their existence.

The Puntland Electoral Commission (PEC) had informed the parties three months ago to hold their major conventions to elect their top leadership, such as chairpersons and other party committees.

Speaking to HOL, members from the parties’ leadership stated that they have informed the electoral commission that unless the financial support for the parties is reinstated, they will not have the capacity to hold their central conventions.

The parties had previously accused President Deni of not being committed to Puntland’s democracy, stating that since his re-election in 2024, he began to undermine the democratic progress.

Although the lack of funds is the primary obstacle facing Puntland’s parties, there are also internal conflicts within the parties themselves, which have split into different factions.

Some of the parties have jointly registered at the federal level to seek financial support from the Federal Government of Somalia.